RSL attack sequestered in 1-0 loss to D.C. United

Real Salt Lake dropped three points on the road to D.C. United as the frustrations in the nation's capital continued in a 1-0 loss.

Lionard Pajoy, D.C. United striker, headed home a rebound from a Nick Rimando parry in the second half, giving United their first goal of the season. Sebastian Velasquez kept Pajoy onside for the goal, which will certainly frustrate his teammates — but allowing a clear shot from Chris Pontius at the top of the box did nobody any favors.

The midfield seemed at times a bit disjointed in the first half, and Real Salt Lake was perhaps lucky to go into halftime without having conceded; an improved performance in the second half was canceled by the goal.

Abdoulie (née Kenny) Mansally was pulled in the second half and Lovel Palmer made his debut for RSL, while John Stertzer made his first appearance of his professional career. Robbie Findley again was substituted around the 65th minute, with Joao Plata coming on in his place.

There were no fireworks to be had by the substitutes, although Stertzer had some bright moments in attack and Palmer looked a marked improvement over Mansally's haphazard second half.

Late in the match, a flurry of yellow cards could impact Real Salt Lake down the road, while early in the first half, Pajoy was only shown a yellow for kicking out at Kwame Watson-Siriboe.

Throughout, Real Salt Lake rarely looked dangerous, although a slew of interceptions high up the pitch should have helped.